The botanist's repository for new and rare plants; vol. 01 & 02 [of 10]

Chapter IV: Part 4

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Styphelia, with leaves tiled, scattered, bluish, egg-shaped, and
sharp-pointed; flowers growing from the lower part of the leaves by
threes.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement. 2. A Flower cut open, with the Chives remaining attached, to shew their insertion into the tube of the Blossom. 3. The Pointal, (natural size,) the Summit detached, and magnified. 4. The Honey-cup, (magnified).

The Styphelias constitute a very extended tribe of plants, indigenous only to New Holland; we are indebted to the pupil of Linnæus, the celebrated Dr. Solander, for this generic title, which, (as Dr. Smith has fairly observed) is expressive of the habit of this whole genus, having its origin in στυφελὸς, harsh, or hard; a character which seems invariable in every species that has come under our notice. The S. tubiflora, although set off by Dr. Smith, in his fourth number of New Holland Botany, with so much grace, must, (and we have no doubt of his concurrence) give place to S. triflora, which undoubtedly claims the palm from all its congeners hitherto discovered. The only specimen alive or dead, and from which our figure was taken, of this plant, which has come to our knowledge, is to be found in the extensive collection of G. Hibbert, Esq. Clapham-common; from whose exertions the exotic collections of this kingdom, are likely to acquire such considerable additions.

The S. triflora was raised from seed at Clapham in 1796, but did not flower till this year, in the month of June, continuing in blossom through July, and part of August. It grows to the height of near three feet, branching but little; the whole stem being hid by the leaves. Mr. Allen the gardener, to whose kind communications we are much indebted, informs us he has kept it in peat earth, and that he thinks it is to be raised by cuttings.

INDEX

TO THE PLANTS CONTAINED IN VOL. I.

_Vol. =II=._

_of the_ Botanists Repository

_Comprising Colour’d Engravings_

_New and Rare Plants_

ONLY

With Botanical Descriptions, &c.

----_in_----

_Latin and English after the_

Linnæan System.

_by H. Andrews_

_Botanical Painter Engraver_ ]

PLATE LXXIII.

DAPHNE PONTICA.

_Pontic Spurge-Laurel._

CLASS VIII. ORDER I.

_OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Eight Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX, nullus.

COROLLA monopetala, infundibuliformis. Tubus cylindraceus,
imperforatus, limbo longior. Limbus quadrifidus; laciniis ovatis,
acutis, planis, patentibus.

STAMINA. Filamenta octo, brevia, tubo inserta; alterna inferiora.
Antheræ subrotundæ, erectæ, biloculares.

PISTILLUM. Germen ovatum. Stylus brevissimus. Stigma capitatum,
depresso-planum.

PERICARPIUM. Bacca subrotunda, unilocularis.

SEMEN unicum, subrotundum, carnosum.

EMPALEMENT, none.

BLOSSOM one petal, funnel-shaped. Tube cylindrical, closed at the
base, longer than the border. Border four-cleft; segments
egg-shaped, sharp, flat, and spreading.

CHIVES. Eight short threads, fixed to the tube; four alternately
lower than the others. Tips roundish, upright, with two cells.

POINTAL. Seed-bud egg-shaped. Shaft very short. Summit a low,
smooth knob.

SEED-VESSEL. A roundish berry, of one cell.

SEED, single, roundish, and fleshy.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Daphne, pedunculus axillaribus, bifloris; foliis obovatis, nitidis.

Spurge-laurel, the fruit stalks growing from the base of the
leaves, with two flowers each; leaves inversely egg-shaped, and
shining.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Flower cut open, to shew the situation of the Chives. 2. The Pointal, (natural size). 3. A ripe Seed.

Tournefort in his Voyage to the Levant, Vol. III. has described this plant under the name of, Thymelæa Pontica Citrei foliis; Dr. P. Pallas in his Flora Rossica, has likewise figured and described it, under the title it bears in the Sp. Plan. p. 511; from both of whom we learn, that it is a native of the coast of the Black Sea, and therefore perfectly hardy, at least sufficiently so to endure our climate. It is the handsomest in foliage of any species of the genus, having, like most of them, fragrant flowers; which begin to shew themselves with the first budding of the plant in spring, about the first week in March. Like our common Spurge-laurel it delights in shade, making a pretty evergreen shrub, about two feet in height; and grows best in a light loamy soil. Although this plant has been long known by name, it had not been seen in England till 1795, a year subsequent to its being sent in seeds to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, Hammersmith. It flowered for the first time here, in 1798; but our drawing was not made till this year, about the middle of April. It is propagated by the seed, or cuttings.

PLATE LXXIV.

PERSOONIA LANCEOLATA.

_Lance-shaped leaved Persoonia._

CLASS IV. ORDER I.

_TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Four Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX, nullus.

COROLLA. Petala quatuor, basin versus staminifera, reflexa, apice
incrassata.

_Nectariæ._ Glandulæ quatuor globosæ, ad basin germinis.

STAMINA. Filamenta quatuor brevia, singula ex singuli petali medio
enata. Antheræ lineares, conniventes, demum reflexæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen superum, ovatum. Stylus subulatus, glaber,
persistens. Stigma obtusum, declinatum.

PERICARPIUM. Drupa subrotunda, monosperma.

SEMEN. Nux ossea, subrotunda, compressa.

EMPALEMENT, none.

BLOSSOM. Four petals, supporting the chives near the bottom, bent
back, and thickened at the point.

_Honey-cups._ Four round glands at the base of the seed-bud.

CHIVES. Four short threads, one growing out of each petal about the
middle. Tips linear, and approaching each other, then reflexed.

POINTAL. Seed-bud egg-shaped, and above. Shaft awl-shaped, smooth,
and remaining. Summit blunt, and bent downward.

SEED-VESSEL. A pulpy berry, roundish, with one seed.

SEED. A hard, roundish nut, flattened.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Persoonia foliis lanceolatis, acutis, enerviis, utrinque glabris;
petiolis tortis; floribus axillaribus, flavis.

Persoonia with lance-shaped leaves, sharp pointed, without nerves,
and smooth on both sides; foot-stalks twisted; the flowers grow at
the lower part of the leaves, close to the stem, and yellow.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Blossom. 2. One division of the Blossom with its Chive. 3. The Pointal (natural size). 4. The same (magnified). 5. The Receptacle, with the Honey-cups (magnified). 6. A Berry cut in two, the Seed taken out. 7. A ripe Seed.

Every step we make in the examen of plants, from that endless source for botanical research, New Holland; nature almost as constantly, presents us with a perfectly new face; such is the object of our present consideration. Dr. Smith, P. L. S. in the Linnæan Transactions, Vol. IIII. p. 215, considering a new Genus as necessary for this tribe of plants, has named it in honour of C. H. Persoon, much noted for his works on the fungi. This is a handsome, spreading greenhouse plant, growing about five feet high, and covering itself with deep yellow blossoms. It is propagated by cuttings, or seeds, which come to maturity with us, and are produced in great numbers. J. Willson, Esq. of Islington, raised this species from seeds about the year 1791; from a specimen in whose collection our figure was taken, this year in July, and where it flowered for the first time last year, in the month of August, and is still in bloom, although many seeds are already perfected, from the flowers of last year.

PLATE LXXV.

PHYSALIS PROSTRATA.

_Trailing Winter-cherry._

CLASS V. ORDER I.

_PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Five Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium monophyllum, ventricosum, semi quinquefidum,
pentagonum; laciniis acuminatis; persistens.

COROLLA. Monopetala, rotata. Tubus brevissimus. Limbus
semiquinquefidus, magnus, plicatus.

STAMINA. Filamenta quinque, subulata, minima, conniventia. Antheræ
erectæ, conniventes.

PISTILLUM. Germen subrotundum. Stylus filiformis, staminibus fere
longior. Stigma obtusum.

PERICARPIUM. Bacca sub-globosa, bilocularis, intra calycem maximum,
inflatum, clausum, pentagonum.

SEMINA plurima, reniformia, compressa.

EMPALEMENT. Cup one leaf, bellied, half five-cleft, and five-sided;
the segments are tapered; permanent.

BLOSSOM, one petal, wheel-shaped. Tube very short. Border half
five-cleft, large, and plaited.

CHIVES. Five threads, awl-shaped, very small, and approaching. Tips
upright, and approaching.

POINTAL. Seed-bud roundish. Shaft thread-shaped, hardly longer than
the chives. Summit blunt.

SEED-VESSEL. A roundish berry, two-celled, within a large, swelled,
close-mouthed, five-sided cup.

SEEDS many, kidney-shaped, and flat.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Physalis, ramosissima, prostrata, hispida; foliis subcarnosis;
corollis cæruleis.

Winter Cherry, very branching, trailing, and hairy; leaves nearly
fleshy; blossoms blue.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement. 2. A Flower cut open, with the Chives attached. 3. The Pointal (natural size). 4. A ripe Seed-vessel.

This beautiful species of Physalis, as a tender annual, should be sown early in March, on a strong hotbed; and kept, when potted, in the greenhouse, being impatient of cold or wet, and perishes if exposed to either. It is a native of Peru, South America, and has been figured by Professor Jacquin in his Ic. Rar. I. t. 38; likewise by Mons. l’Heritier in his Stirp. Nov. p. 43. t. 22; and was first transmitted to England in the year 1782, by Mons. Thoin, from France. Although it has been cultivated here some years, it is but little known, owing to its great delicacy when young, being very liable to damp off in the hotbed.

PLATE LXXVI.

PROTEA PINIFOLIA.

_Pine-leaved Protea._

CLASS IV. ORDER I.

_TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Four Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

COROLLA 4-fida, seu 4-petala. Antheræ lineares, insertæ petalis
infra apicem. Calyx proprius nullus. Sem. solitaria.

BLOSSOM four-cleft or of four petals. Tips linear, inserted into
the petals below the ends. Cup. Proper, none. Seeds solitary.

See PROTEA SPECIOSA. Plate XVII.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Protea floribus simplicibus, racemoso-spicatis, glabris; foliis
filiformibus, sparsis, glabris.

Protea with simple flowers, growing in branching spikes, and
smooth; leaves thread-shaped, scattered, and smooth.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Blossom complete. 2. One Petal of the Blossom, (magnified), with its Chive attached. 3. The Pointal and Seed-bud, (magnified). 4. A ripe Seed.

The Pine-leaved Protea from the Cape of Good Hope, is rather a delicate plant; and is subject to be killed, if not kept in the driest, and warmest part of the greenhouse, being very susceptible of damps. It makes a very fine appearance when in bloom, growing to the height of two feet or more upright, and with few branches; every part of the plant, (which is uncommon in this genus,) is quite smooth and shining. This species of Protea is an inhabitant of our gardens, since the year 1780; when it was first introduced by William Forsyth, Esq. of Kensington, but has been rarely seen to flower, as it is found but in few collections; owing to the difficulty of propagating it, by the only possible method in this country, cuttings. The soil it approves most, as do most of the Proteas, is a light loam. The drawing was taken at the Hammersmith nursery, from a plant which flowered there in August this year.

PLATE LXXVII.

PERSOONIA LINEARIS.

_Linear-leaved Persoonia._

CLASS IV. ORDER I.

_TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Four Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX nullus. Petala 4, basin versus staminifera. Glandulæ 4, ad
basin germinis. Stigma obtusum. Drupa monosperma.

EMPALEMENT none. Petals four, supporting the chives near the
bottom. Four glands at the base of the seed-bud. Summit blunt. A
pulpy berry with one seed.

See PERSOONIA LANCEOLATA. Pl. LXXIV.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Persoonia foliis linearibus, sub-villosis; floribus flavis.

Persoonia with linear leaves, a little hairy; flowers yellow.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A flower complete. 2. One Petal of the flower, with its Chive, (magnified). 3. The Pointal, (natural size). 4. The same, (magnified).

The Linear-leaved Persoonia, is indigenous to the same clime as the Lance-shaped leaved, given in our last number; grows to nearly the same height, and makes a handsome greenhouse plant, continuing to flower through the autumnal months; and producing good seeds. J. Robertson, Esq. of Stockwell, Surry, raised this species from seeds in the year 1794; with whom it flowered last year, for the first time in England; and for whose kind communication of a specimen in flower, (from which our drawing was made,) we beg our grateful acknowledgment. It is raised by seeds, or cuttings; and should be planted in peat earth.

PLATE LXXVIII.

IXORA PAVETTA.

_Sweet Ixora._

CLASS IV. ORDER I.

_TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Four Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium quadripartitum, minimum, erectum, persistens.

COROLLA monopetala, infundibuliformis. Tubus cylindraceus,
longissimus, tenuis. Limbus quadripartitus, planus; laciniis
ovatis.

STAMINA. Filamenta quatuor, brevissima, in divisuris corollæ.
Antheræ oblongæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen subrotundum, intra basin calycis. Stylus
filiformis, longitudine tubi. Stigma bifidum.

PERICARPIUM. Bacca subrotunda, bilocularis.

SEMINA duo, hinc convexa, inde angulata.

EMPALEMENT. Cup with four divisions, very small, upright, and
remaining.

BLOSSOM of one petal, funnel-shaped. Tube cylindrical, very long,
and small. Border of four divisions and flat; the segments
egg-shaped.

CHIVES. Four threads, very short, placed in the divisions of the
blossom. Tips oblong.

POINTAL. Seed-bud roundish, in the bottom of the cup. Shaft
thread-shaped, the length of the tube. Summit two-cleft.

SEED-VESSEL. A roundish berry, with two cells.

SEEDS, two, hollow on the inside, and angled without.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Ixora foliis obtusis, undulatis, petiolatis, floribus fasciculatis,
odoratis, sordide luteis.

Ixora with blunt, waved, leaves, having foot-stalks; flowers grow
in bunches, are sweet scented, and of a dirty yellow.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement, (magnified). 2. A Blossom with the seed-bud attached, (natural size). 3. The same with the Empalement, (magnified). 4. The Pointal, (natural size). 5. The same, magnified.

To the Lady Dowager de Clifford are we indebted, for the introduction of this new species of Ixora, a native of the East Indies; her Ladyship having received it from thence, in the year 1796. It is a tender hot-house plant, growing to the height of a foot, or more, and very bushy; the bunches of flowers are very large, covering nearly the whole upper part of the plant, and are exceedingly fragrant. The blossoms begin to expand about the beginning of August, and continue to blow in succession, till the end of October. The only plant we have yet heard of, in England, is in her Ladyship’s collection at Paddington; where it has flowered for the first time this year, and where our drawing was made. It is propagated like the other species of Ixora, by cuttings, and should be kept in rich earth.

PLATE LXXIX.

CROWEA SALIGNA.

_Willow-leaved Crowea._

CLASS X. ORDER I.

_DECANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Ten Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium monophyllum, quinquepartitum, laciniis ovatis.

COROLLA. Petala quinque, ovata, sessilia, erecto-patula.

STAMINA. Filamenta decem, plana, subulata, pilis intertextis
connexa, pistillum obvolventia. Antheræ longitudinaliter filamentis
e parte interiori adnatæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen superum. Stylus erectus, cylindricus,
brevissimus, e basi germinis. Stigma capitatum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsulæ quinque, ovato-acuminatæ, extrorsum coalitæ,
apicibus distantes.

SEMINA solitaria, reniformia, glabra, arillata.

EMPALEMENT. Cup one leaf, with five divisions, the segments
egg-shaped.

BLOSSOM. Five petals, egg-shaped, sitting close in the cup, upright
and spreading.

CHIVES. Ten threads, flat and awl-shaped, interwove together by
hairs, covering the pointal. Tips growing longitudinally from the
inner part of the threads.

POINTAL. Seed-bud above. Shaft upright, cylinder-shape, and very
short, growing from the base of the seed-buds. Summit a knob.

SEED-VESSEL. Five capsules, pointedly-egg-shaped, joined on the
outside, and distant at the ends.

SEEDS solitary, kidney-shape, smooth, and covered by an elastic
coat.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Crowea, foliis lanceolatis, utrinque glabris, integerrimis;
floribus solitariis, axilaribus.

Crowea, with lance-shaped leaves, smooth on both sides, quite
entire; flowers grow solitary from the bottom of the leaves close
to the stem.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement. 2. The Chives. 3. One Chive detached, natural size. 4. The same magnified to shew the situation of the Tip. 5. The Pointal, natural size. 6. The same magnified. 7. A ripe Seed.

The number of handsome flowering plants from New Holland, already figured in the Botanist’s Repository; leads us to hope, the first, and indeed most generally prevailing opinion, that the insignificance of the flowers produced by the plants of that country, rendering them scarcely worth cultivation for ornament; must be nearly, if not quite done away: and we have reason to think, when farther explored, few countries will be able to stand a competition with it, for the singularity, variety, or beauty of its vegetable productions. The Willow-leaved Crowea we consider as one amongst the many strong arguments, to favour our opinion; it is rather a delicate plant, and should be kept in a dry and warm part of the greenhouse, where it will flower from the month of July, till November; growing three feet high, if planted in light sandy peat; and is easily propagated by cuttings. Although, this is the only species at present, in cultivation with us; there is little doubt from the number of handsome specimens of other species, which we have seen, in the different herbariums from Botany Bay; and from the character of the seeds, much resembling those of the Diosma, which are not subject to rapid decay; but we shall very soon be possessed of many more of this very beautiful Genus. Our drawing was made from the nursery at Hammersmith, where it was raised from seeds, in the year 1790. The generic title of this plant, is derived from the name of an English botanist at Norwich, Mr. James Crowe, F. L. S. see Linn. Tran. Vol. IV. page 222.

PLATE LXXX.

BUCHNERA FŒTIDA.

_Stinking Buchnera._

CLASS XIV. ORDER II.

_DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA._ Two Chives longer. Seeds covered.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium monophyllum, quinquedentatum, scabrum,
persistens.

COROLLA, monopetala; tubus longissimus, filiformis, arcuatus;
limbus planus, quinquefidus, æqualis; laciniis duabus superioribus
reflexis, tribus inferioribus cordatis, subæqualibus.

STAMINA. Filamenta quatuor, brevissima, in fauce corollæ, quorum
duo superiora extra prominentia. Antheræe oblongæ, obtusæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen ovato-oblongum. Stylus filiformis, longitudine
tubi. Stigma obtusum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula ovato-oblonga, acuminata, tecta, bilocularis,
apice bifarium dehiscens; dissepimentum contrarium.

SEMINA numerosa, angulata.

RECEPTACULUM medio dissepimenti adnatum.

EMPALEMENT. Cup one leaf, five-toothed, rough, and remaining.

BLOSSOM one petal; tube very long, thread-shaped, and arched;
border flat, five-cleft, equal; the two upper divisions reflexed,
the three under ones heart-shaped, nearly equal.

CHIVES. Threads four, very short, in the mouth of the blossom, of
which the two upper protrude without. Tips oblong, blunt.

POINTAL. Seed bud oblong-egg-shaped. Shaft thread-shaped, the
length of the tube. Summit blunt.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule oblong-egg-shaped, tapered, covered, two
cells, and splitting at the point in two; the partition opposite to
the valves.

SEEDS numerous, and angular.

RECEPTACLE fixed to the middle of the partition.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Buchnera, foliis laciniatis, oppositis, fœtidissimis; flores
umbellulati, terminales.

Buchnera, with leaves appearing torn, opposite and very stinking;
flowers terminate the branches in small umbels.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement. 2. A Flower cut open, to expose the situation of the Chives. 3. The Pointal magnified. 4. A ripe Seed-vessel.

This species of Buchnera is an annual, and a native of the Cape of Good Hope; from whence, it was introduced to England in the year 1795, by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy. It should be raised with other tender annuals in spring, and kept, either to ornament the greenhouse with them in pots, or planted in a warm part of the flower border, about the beginning of June. It will begin to flower about July, and generally has perfected seeds by September; although, it will continue to bloom till destroyed by the frost, as there is a constant succession of blossoms.

PLATE LXXXI.

SOWERBIA JUNCEA.

_Rush-like Sowerbia._

CLASS VI. ORDER I.

_HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Six Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Involucrum hexaphyllum, multiflorum; foliolis erectis,
scariosis, persistentibus.

COROLLA. Petala sex, infera, persistentia; laciniis ovatis,
concavis.

STAMINA. Filamenta sex, sub-globosa, carnosa, germen cingens; ex
quibus tria biantherifera, sterilibus tribus interstinctis. Antheræ
geminæ, lineares, erectæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen superum. Stylus filiformis, longitudine staminum.
Stigma simplex.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula obtusetrigona, oblonga, trilocularis,
trivalvis.

SEMINA plura, angulata.

EMPALEMENT. Fence six-leaved, containing many flowers; the small
leaves are upright, skinny, and permanent.

BLOSSOM. Six petals, beneath and remaining; segments egg-shape, and
concave.

CHIVES. Six threads almost round, fleshy, surrounding the seed bud;
of which three bear two chives, each parted by three sterile ones.
Tips double, linear, and upright.

POINTAL. Seed-bud above. Shaft thread-shaped, the length of the
chives. Summit simple.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule bluntly three-sided, oblong, three-celled,
three-valved.

SEEDS many, angular.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Sowerbia, foliis teretibus, mucronatis; scapo nudo, flexuoso;
umbella globosa; floribus petiolis longissimis.

Sowerbia, with cylindrical leaves pointed at the ends; flower-stem
naked and crooked; the umbel globular; flowers with very long
foot-stalks.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Fence. 2. A Blossom complete. 3. The Chives expanded. 4. The Pointal.

The very great resemblance this plant bears in habit, to some species of the garlick and rush, led us, at first sight, to consider it of one of those Genera: but as Dr. Smith has in the fourth Volume of the Linn. Trans. p. 220, constituted it a new genus, from the construction of the chives, we make no scruple to follow such good authority. It is named after Mr. James Sowerby, so well known for his numerous botanical engravings, as attached to different works; but especially, for his excellent coloured plates of English plants. Messrs. Lee and Kennedy of Hammersmith, were the first, who raised this plant from seeds, received in 1792 from Botany Bay. Our drawing was taken in May 1798, the first time it flowered there; it is the full size of the plant, the flower-stem cut off, it being twice the length of the leaves. There is no smell to any part of the plant; but nevertheless, it is very desirable in the greenhouse, from the character of the flowers, which retain their colour with little change, till the seeds are perfected. To increase it, the roots may be parted early in spring, and should be planted in peat earth.

PLATE LXXXII.

BANKSIA SERRATA.

_Sawed-leaved Banksia._

CLASS IV. ORDER I.

_TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Four Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER. _Schreb. Gen. Plant. 191._

CALYX. Perianthium monophyllum, quadrifidum, inferum.

COROLLA monopetala; tubus cylindraceus, brevissimus; limbus
longissimus, quadripartitus; laciniis linearibus, apice
lanceolatis, interne foveola excavatis, acutis.

STAMINA. Filamenta nulla. Antheræ quatuor, lanceolatæ, in foveola
laciniarum corollæ sessiles.

PISTILLUM. Germen superum, minutum. Stylus filiformis, rigidus,
corolla longior. Stigma pyramidatum, acutum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula ovata, seu globosa, lignosa, unilocularis,
bivalvis.

SEMINA duo, obovata hinc convexa inde plana, ala membranacea
terminata.

OBS. In quibusdam speciebus seminibus interjectum est dissepimentum
liberum, figura et magnitudine cavitatis loculamenti,
coriaceo-lignosum, semibifidum. _Grætner de fruct._

EMPALEMENT. Cup of one leaf, four-cleft and beneath.

BLOSSOM of one petal; tube cylindrical, and very short; border very
long, of four divisions; segments linear, lance-shaped at the ends,
having small holes on the inside, which are hollowed out and sharp.

CHIVES. Threads none. Tips four, lance-shaped, sitting close within
the small holes of the segments of the blossom.

POINTAL. Seed-bud above and very small. Shaft thread-shaped, stiff,
and longer than the blossom. Summit pyramidal, and sharp pointed.

SEED VESSEL. Capsule egg-shaped or globular, woody, one cell, two
valves.

SEEDS two, inversely egg-shaped, convex on the one side and flat on
the other, having a skinny wing at the end.

OBS. In some species there is found between the seeds a loose
partition, the shape and size of the hollow of the cell, tough,
woody, and half cleft in two. _Grætner on fruits and seeds._

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Banksia foliis linearibus, in petiolum attenuatis, æqualiter
serratis, apice truncatis cum mucrone.

Banksia with linear leaves, tapering to the foot-stalks, equally
sawed at the edge, appearing cut off at the end with a sharp point.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Flower, the summit not yet escaped from the Chives. 2. The same with the summit relieved; magnified, to shew more clearly the shape of the petals, and the singular situation of the Chives. 3. The Pointal, natural size. 4. A ripe Seed.

This species of Banksia, was the first to vegetate amongst the number of different seeds, which were received by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, from Botany Bay in 1788; thus, has the pre-eminence of seniority here, to all the plants which have been introduced from thence, to Great Britain. From the living and dead specimens we have already seen, this Genus bids fair to rival Protea in the number of its different species; from which, nature seems to have marked but a slight line for Generic distinction. Our figure was taken from a plant now in flower in the greenhouse, (we believe for the first time in Europe,) at the agreeable retreat of J. Ord, Esq. Purser’s-cross, Fulham, being nearly seven feet high; indeed, we have seen specimens which have attained to twelve feet, and more. It is increased by cuttings, and will grow in almost any earth. The cones to which the seed-vessels are fixed, something resemble those of the stone pine, but much larger, and the wood more hard: the seeds are inclosed in capsules which are placed at a considerable distance from each other, at irregular intervals; the spaces filled up with long harsh threads, and apparently abortive seed-vessels.

PLATE LXXXIII.

MORÆA TRICOLOR.

_Three-coloured Moræa._

CLASS III. ORDER I.

_TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Three Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Spathæ bivalves.

COROLLA hexapetala, patens; petala tria interiora patentia,
angustiora.

STAMINA. Filamenta tria, brevia. Antheræ oblongæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen inferum, oblongum. Stylus simplex, brevissimus.
Stigmata tria, bifida.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula trigona, trisulcata, trilocularis.

SEMINA plurima, rotunda.

EMPALEMENT. Sheaths of two valves.

BLOSSOM six petals, spreading; the three innermost petals are more
spread out and narrower.

CHIVES. Three short threads. Tips oblong.

POINTAL. Seed-bud beneath and oblong. Shaft simple, and very short.
Summits three, two-cleft.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule three sided, three-furrowed, three cells.

SEEDS many, and round.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Moræa scapo teriti; foliis radicalibus, lanceolatis, canaliculatis,
scapo longiores; floribus terminalibus, tricoloratis.

Moræa with a round flower-stem; the leaves grow from the root, are
lance-shaped, channelled, and longer than the flower stem; the
flowers are terminal, and three-coloured.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. An outer Petal of the Blossom. 2. An inner Petal of the same. 3. The Chives and Pointal; the petals being cut off, to expose the situation of the Chives hid under the summits.

To G. Hibbert, Esq. of Clapham Common, we owe the introduction of this beautiful little Moræa, he having received it from his collector at the Cape, in the spring of 1799. It is certainly a perfectly new species here, and we believe has not been seen to flower in Europe before, as it is not in the extensive Collections, of the Emperor of Germany; at least it is not to be found amongst the many figured by Professor Jacquin. The very short duration of the blossoms, at first, had determined us to name it specifically, fugax; but finding we were anticipated in that name, by Jacquin, in his Hortus. III. tab. 26, we have adopted that of tricolor. The drawing was made at Clapham this year, in October; although we conceive the regular season for its blowing would be, June, or July, if planted like other Cape bulbs in autumn. The only means of seeing this plant in perfection, is, by keeping it entirely from the air when near flowering, as it is too delicate to bear the least exposure; it begins to expand about twelve o’clock, and is quite decayed by three. From every appearance, without a supply from the Cape, this delicate little bulb will, (as many others have) be soon lost to this country.

PLATE LXXXIV.

BUCHNERA PEDUNCULATA.

_Solitary-flowered Buchnera._

CLASS XIV. ORDER II.

_DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA._ Two Chives longer. Seeds covered.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX quinque-dentatus. Corollæ limbus quinquefidus, æqualis; lobis
cordatis. Capsula bilocularis.

CUP five-toothed. The border of the blossom five-cleft, equal; the
lobes heart-shaped. Capsule two-celled.

See BUCHNERA FŒTIDA. Pl. LXXX.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Buchnera, foliis dentato-sinuatis; floribus solitariis, pedunculis
longissimis.

Buchnera, with leaves that are indentedly toothed; flowers
solitary, with very long foot-stalks.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement. 2. A Flower cut open, magnified. 3. The Pointal. 4. A Capsule.

This is another beautiful little species of Cape Buchnera, and which, we can consider as little better than biennial; much similar, to some species of different genera from thence; such as, Hebenstreitia, Mahernia, &c. For although they produce woody stems, yet the plants seldom last beyond the second year. From their short duration, it is necessary to keep up a succession yearly; which is done, by making cuttings of them early in spring. Our drawing represents the branch of a plant, in the collection of R. James, Esq. Grosvenor-place, taken in the month of July 1799. It is a very shewy greenhouse plant, and should be plotted in rich mould; if kept free from damps, will continue to flower till the end of November.

PLATE LXXXV.

MAHERNIA ODORATA.

_Sweet Mahernia._

CLASS V. ORDER V.

_PENTANDRIA PENTAGYNIA._ Five Chives. Five Pointals.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium monopetalum, quinquefidum, campanulatum;
dentibus subulatis, longioribus; persistens.

COROLLA. Petala quinque, cordata, oblonga, patentia, calyce duplo
longiora.

_Nectaria_ quinque, obcordata, pedicellata, germen cingentia,
calyce breviora.

STAMINA. Filamenta quinque, capillaria, nectario infidentia, calyce
breviora. Antheræ oblongæ, acuminatæ, erectæ.

PISTILLUM. Germen subpedicellatum, obovatum, quinquangulum. Styli
quinque, setacei, erecti, longitudine petalorum. Stigmata
simplicia.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula ovata, quinquelocularis, quinquevalvis.

SEMINA nonnulla, reniformia.

EMPALEMENT. Cup one leaf, five-cleft, bell-shaped; the teeth
awl-shaped, and longer; remaining.

BLOSSOM. Five petals, heart-shaped, oblong, spreading, twice the
length of the cup.

_Honey-cups_ five, inversely heart-shaped, having little
foot-stalks, embracing the seed-bud, shorter than the cup.

CHIVES. Five threads, hair like, sitting on the honey-cups, shorter
than the cup. Tips oblong, tapered to a point, and upright.

POINTAL. Seed-bud supported on a very short foot-stalk, inversely
egg-shaped, five-angled. Shafts five, like bristles, upright, the
length of the petals. Summits simple.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule egg-shaped, five cells, five valves.

SEEDS a few, kidney-shaped.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Mahernia foliis lanceolatis, glabris, apice dentatis; pedunculis
bifloris; corollis luteis, odoratissimis.

Mahernia with lance-shaped leaves, smooth and toothed at the end;
foot-stalks bearing two flowers; the blossoms yellow and very
sweet.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The cup, (natural size). 2. The Chives, Honey-cups, and Pointals, as they stand in the flower. 3. The same, with the Chives thrown back, as far as the slight junction of the honey-cups will permit, without tearing. 4. A Chive with its honey-cup, (magnified). 5. The Seed-bud and Pointals, (magnified).

Many species of this Genus have, hitherto, been arranged as Hermannias, to which they are undoubtedly very nigh affined; in nothing essentially varying, but in the character of the chives, being, in this, placed on honey cups, which are wanting in the other; the same natural appearance however of the junction of the supporters of the tips, being common to both. From this small change of the identity of character, so necessary in our artificial system, they are thrown to a wide distance in classification; the one standing in the fifth, the other in the sixteenth class! The Mahernia odorata is from the Cape of Good Hope, and was sent in seeds to England about the year 1792. It is but a short-lived greenhouse plant, and must be raised every two years, at least, from cuttings; which should be made about the beginning of March, and placed on a gentle hot bed, they will by this means become good sized plants by midsummer. The flavour of the blossoms is exactly that of the Jonquil, it continues to flower through the whole year, but is as yet to be found in few collections, although from its different attractions we have no doubt of seeing it soon in most. Rich earth, of old cow dung, and loam, seems to be the soil it most affects. Our drawing was made at the nursery Hammersmith, in July 1799.

PLATE LXXXVI.

BIGNONIA PANDORANA.

_Norfolk Island Trumpet Flower._

CLASS XIV. ORDER II.

_DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA._ Two Chives longer. Seeds covered.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX quinquefidus, cyathiformis.

COROLLA fauce campanulata, quinquefida, subtus ventricosa. Siliqua
bilocularis. Semina membranaceo-alata.

EMPALEMENT, five-cleft, cup-shaped.

BLOSSOM bell-shaped at the mouth, five-cleft, and bellied beneath.
A pod of two cells. Seed winged with a skinny membrane.

See Pl. XLIII. Bignonia Leucoxylon. Vol. I.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Bignonia foliis pinnatis; foliolis lanceolatis, dentatis; caule
volubili; floribus racemosis, terminalibus.

Trumpet Flower with winged leaves; the small leaves are
lance-shaped, and toothed; a climbing stem; the flowers grow in
bunches, and terminate the branches.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement. 2. A Flower cut open, to expose the situation of the Chives. 3. The Pointal, and Seed-bud, (magnified). 4. A Seed.

This species of Trumpet Flower, is a native of Norfolk Island in the Pacific Ocean, lying in 29 deg. 2 min. south lat.; therefore, must be kept with us as a greenhouse plant; and, as a creeper, may be placed to twine round the pillars, or to cover trellis work; being of quick growth (if planted in peat earth,) and flowering abundantly from the month of March, ’till June. It is easily increased by cuttings, made in the spring, or by suckers, which it frequently produces from the root. The plant from which our drawing was made, flowered (and we believe for the first time in England) in 1798, in the collection of J. Vere, Esq. Kensington Gore.

Naturalists, when in detailing the history of the various articles passing under their review, should receive with caution, any matter which seems tending to the marvellous; but for the authenticity of the authority, from whence we are furnished with the account of the singularly pestiferous character of this plant, we can with confidence pledge ourselves. Colonel Paterson, now commanding at Port Jackson, New Holland, sent the seeds from Norfolk Island, when he was stationed there, to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy Hammersmith, who first raised it, in the year 1793. The N. I. Trumpet Flower is, in its native soil, a deciduous plant; upon the return of the season, in which the young tendrils begin to shoot, and the leaves begin to appear; within fifteen, or twenty days, the whole plant is entirely covered with a white downy insect, of the genus Aphis, something similar to our blight; which, in a very short time from their first appearance on this plant, become so completely dispersed over every vegetable production, that scarce a green leaf is to be seen through the whole extent of the island. So great a plague was this insect thought to be, from its effects on vegetation, by those who were sent to colonize the island, that it was considered as one of the principal reasons for abandoning the settlement.

PLATE LXXXVII.

IXIA ARISTATA. _Var. atropurpurea._

_Ragged-sheathed Ixia. Var. dark purple._

CLASS III. ORDER I.

_TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Three Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

COROLLA 6-partita, patens, æqualis. Stigmata tria,
erectiusculo-patula.

BLOSSOM six divisions, spreading, and equal. Summits three, nearly
upright and spreading.

See Pl. XIV. Vol. I. Ixia reflexa.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Ixia foliis falcatis, glabris, amplexicaulibus; scapo sub-biflora;
spathis laceris.

Ixia with scimitar-shaped leaves, smooth and embracing the stem;
flower-stem mostly with two flowers; sheaths appearing torn.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The sheath. 2. A Flower cut open. 3. The Pointal, complete.

This truly specious Ixia, has at different periods long since, been seen in our exotic collections; but the delicacy of its root, and of consequence, the difficulty of preserving it, when out of flower, was, no doubt, the occasion of its having been as often lost to us for a time. To the Dutch we are indebted for the last introduction of it to this country, about four years since, amongst many others; from their immense collections of Cape bulbs at Haarlem. Although the root is particularly susceptible of wet, yet, by timely taking up the bulb, even before the upper part of the plant is decayed; and keeping it entirely free from moisture, till it is again planted in October, there will be little danger of its perishing. Our figure was taken in the month of June 1799, at Clapham, from a plant in the Collection of G. Hibbert, Esq. Light sandy peat, with a small portion of rotten old cow-dung, will give it the most vigorous growth.

PLATE LXXXVIII.

ERANTHEMUM PULCHELLUM.

_Blue-flowered Eranthemum._

CLASS II. ORDER I.

_DIANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Two Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium quinquefidum, tubulosum, erectum, membranaceum,
persistens.

COROLLA monopetala, infundibuliformis; tubus filiformis,
longissimus. Limbus quinquepartitus, planus; laciniis obovatis,
æqualibus.

STAMINA. Filamenta duo, ad basin spiralia, in fauce corollæ.
Antheræ subovatæ, compressæ, extra tubum.

PISTILLUM. Germen ovatum, compressum. Stylus filiformis,
longitudine staminum. Stigmata duo, inæqualia, erecta.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula spathulata, compressa, bivalvis, bilocularis,
dissipimento valvulis contrario.

SEMINA solitaria, lentiformia.

EMPALEMENT. Cup five cleft, tubular, upright, skinny, and
remaining.

BLOSSOM one petal, funnel-shaped; tube thread-shaped, and very
long. Border divided into five, and flat; the segments are
inversely egg-shaped, and equal.

CHIVES. Two threads, spiral at the base, at the mouth of the
blossom. Tips nearly egg-shaped, flattened, and without the tube.

POINTAL. Seed-bud egg-shaped and flattened. Shaft thread-shaped,
the length of the chives. Summits two unequal, and upright.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule spatula shape, flattened, two valves, two
cells, the partition contrary to the valves.

SEEDS solitary, lentil shape.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Eranthemum foliis lanceolato-ovatis, nervosis; floribus spicatis;
bracteis lanceolatis, imbricatis.

Eranthemum with lance-shaped, oval, and strongly nerved leaves; the
flowers grow in spikes; the floral leaves are lance-shaped, and
tiled.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement, with its four small leaflets. 2. The Blossom cut open, to shew the part of insertion of the Chives. 3. One of the Chives, (magnified.) 4. The Pointal, (natural size.) 5. The same, (magnified.) 6. The Seed-bud. 7. A Seed.

Eranthemum, although standing in our ancientest tables, as a name to different plants; must have been, hitherto, considered as a dead letter in all our modern ones, as attached to the tribe of plants it now titles: but perhaps, to none of the former more aptly could it have been applied; (especially this species, as the Greek word Ήράνθεμον, a compound of Ής the spring, and ἀνθέω to blossom, fairly indicates;) since the E. pulchellum first begins to flower in January, and continues to blossom till May. Linnæus in treating this Genus, acknowledges to have seen but one imperfect specimen; and from this circumstance, left the description of the seed-vessel, and seed, to be determined by future Botanists; as yet, that has not been accomplished, even by the indefatigable and accurate Schreber; indeed, had the character of the pointal been likewise omitted, it would have been as well; since, in place of one, the two unequal summits, (which might escape observation in a dried specimen, from their disproportion in length, and upright situation;) point out a stronger Generical distinction from Justicia, to which it much affines, than either, the regular shape of the limb of the blossom, or the situation of the chives. Our species is a native of the coast of Coromandel, in the East Indies, and was first received in seeds from Dr. Roxburg, at the Royal gardens Kew, in the year 1796. It is a most desirable plant, for although it has hitherto been kept in the hot-house, we have no doubt from its flowering and thriving there, with so little care, in any situation; but that it will soon be considered as a proper inhabitant of the greenhouse. It is with the greatest ease, and certainty, increased by cuttings. Our drawing was made this month, from a plant in flower at the Hammersmith nursery.

PLATE LXXXIX.

GNIDIA LÆVIGATA.

_Shining-leaved Gnidia._

CLASS VIII. ORDER I.

_OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Eight Chives. One Pointal.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX infundibuliformis, 4-fidus. Petala quatuor, calyci inserta.
Semen unum, subbaccatum.

Cup funnel-shaped, 4-cleft. Four petals fixed into the cup. One
seed, something like a berry.

See Gnidia pinifolia, Pl. LII. Vol. I.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Gnidia foliis oppositis, glabris, ovatis, quadrifariam imbricatis;
floribus terminalibus, sessilibus, luteis.

Gnidia with opposite smooth egg-shaped leaves, forming four angles
and tiled; flowers terminate the branches, sitting close to the
stem, and yellow.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. A Blossom complete. 2. The same cut open, with the Chives attached; the Pointal taken out. 3. The Seed-bud and Pointal, (magnified.)

This Gnidia is from the Cape of Good Hope, from whence it was first sent to England about the year 1783, by Mr. F. Masson to the Royal gardens Kew. It is a tender, and delicate greenhouse plant, very subject to be destroyed by the autumnal rains, or over watering during the winter. It is with great difficulty raised from cuttings, and its seeds seldom or ever, we believe, are perfected with us; from which circumstance, it is to be found in very few collections. Our drawing was made from a plant, in the possession of G. Hibbert, Esq. Clapham, about the middle of July 1799.

PLATE XC.

SEPTAS CAPENSIS.

_Cape Septas._

CLASS VII. ORDER IV.

_HEPTANDRIA HEPTAGYNIA._ Seven Chives. Seven Pointals.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Perianthium septempartitum, patens, acutum, persistens.

COROLLA. Petala septem, oblonga, æqualia, calyce duplo longiora.

STAMINA. Filamenta septem, subulata, longitudine calycis. Antheræ
subovatæ, erectæ.

PISTILLUM. Germina septem, oblonga, desinentia in stylos subulatos,
longitudine staminum. Stigmata obtusiuscula.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula septem, oblongæ, acutæ, parallelæ, univalves.

SEMINA plurima.

EMPALEMENT, Cup of seven divisions, spreading, sharp-pointed, and
remaining.

BLOSSOM. Seven petals, oblong, equal, twice the length of the cup.

CHIVES. Seven threads, awl-shaped, the length of the cup. Tips
nearly egg-shaped, and upright.

POINTAL. Seven seed-buds, oblong, and ending in awl-shaped shafts,
the length of the Chives. Summits bluntish.

SEED-VESSEL. Seven capsules, oblong, sharp-pointed, parallel, and
of one valve.

SEEDS many.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Septas, foliis subrotundis, crenulatis, oppositis; glabris; radice
tuberosa.

Septas with roundish leaves, slightly scolloped, opposite and
smooth; root tuberous.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement. 2. The Chives, and Pointals, (magnified). 3. One of the Pointals detached, (natural size).

We are happy in having procured for the entertainment of our botanical friends, a specimen of so singular a plant as the Septas: which, from the conformity of its constituent generic characters in point of numbers, has given it the title it bears and forming for itself an order of plants, in which it stands alone. No plant is better known to botanists than Septas by name; but as yet, there exists only one miserable uncoloured figure of it; which is to be found in the Mantissa of Plukenet, tab. 340, fig. 9. The first plants seen of Septas in England, were purchased in roots from Holland, under the name of Saxifraga Tuberosa, by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy Hammersmith. The beginning of August this year, a drawing was taken from a plant in the collection of G. Hibbert, Esq. Clapham, he having received some fine bulbs of it, in the spring, from his collector at the Cape. There are few plants rival Septas for beauty that are of equal size; it is herbaceous, should be removed from its pot when in a state of inaction, and dried like the Anemonie. The bulbs may be cut, or parted at the time of removal for propagation.

PLATE XCI.

CAMELLIA JAPONICA. _Var. flore pleno variegato._

_Double-striped Camellia._

CLASS XVI. ORDER VI. _of Schreber’s 8th ed. of Gen. Plant_.

_MONODELPHIA POLYANDRIA._ Threads united. Many Chives.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX imbricatus, polyphyllus; foliolis interioribus majoribus.

EMPALEMENT tiled, many leaved; the inner leaves the largest.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER OF VARIETY.

Camellia foliis brevioribus, latioribus; floribus plenis, variegatis.

Camellia with shorter and broader leaves; flowers double and striped.

In hopes that the subject will plead our excuse, in thus again, obtruding a kind of nonentity, in reference to the sexual system, on our scientific friends; and that a figure, of so rare, and beautiful a plant, would be agreeable to all; we have, once more, put by the etiquette of science, for the charms of beauty; yet for this deviation, we think an apology necessary, as it is undoubtedly not conformable to the plan of our undertaking.

This variety of the Camellia Japonica, is of the same date in our gardens, as the double white, and was introduced through the same medium. As yet this plant is found in but very few collections, and is sold at a very high price; not being of free growth, few cuttings, or grafts can be obtained. It has hitherto, been treated as a hothouse plant; but there is no doubt it is equally hardy with the common sort, upon which, all the plants we have as yet seen, and indeed those that were first imported from China, were grafted; an instance in proof, that horticulture must have, there, attained to a considerable degree of perfection, in the operative part: as well as, that possessing double flowering varieties, of their most beautiful plants, which are only produced by a series of cultivation, for ages; incontestably proves the antiquity of the art, (if any fresh proofs were necessary,) in that country. Our figure was made from a drawing taken partly, from a plant which flowered in August last year, in the collection of J. Hibbert, Esq. Clapham; and partly from one now (April) in full bloom, in the conservatory of R. H. James, Esq. Grosvenor-Place; the only ones we have as yet seen in flower; wherefore the time of flowering cannot as yet be fixed.

PLATE XCII.

CRINUM SPIRALE.

_Spiral-stalked Asphodel Lily._

CLASS VI. ORDER I.

_HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Six Chives. One Pointal.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Involucrum spathæforme, bifolium, oblongum, umbelluliferum,
post dehiscentiam reflexum.

COROLLA monopetala, infundibuliformis. Tubus oblongus,
cylindraceus. Limbus sexpartitus; laciniis lanceolato-linearibus,
concavis, reflexis, quarum tres alternæ appendiculo uncinato
distinctæ.

STAMINA. Filamenta sex, subulata, e basi limbi, longitudine limbi,
conniventia. Antheræ oblongæ, lineares, assurgentes, incumbentes.

PISTILLUM. Germen inferum. Stylus filiformis, longitudine floris.
Stigma trifidum, minimum.

PERICARPIUM. Capsula sub-ovata, trilocularis.

SEMINA plura.

EMPALEMENT. Fence sheath-shaped, two-leaved, oblong, bearing a
small umbel, after splitting being reflexed.

BLOSSOM one leaf, funnel-shaped. Tube oblong, and cylindrical.
Border divided into six segments, that are linearly lance-shaped,
concave, and reflexed, of which three alternate ones are marked by
a small claw hanging at the lower part.

CHIVES. Threads six, awl-shaped, growing from the lower part of the
border, and of its length, and inclining together. Tips oblong,
linear, turned up at the ends, and lying on the threads.

POINTAL. Seed-bud beneath. Shaft thread-shaped, the length of the
flower. Summit three-cleft, and very small.

SEED-VESSEL. Capsule nearly egg-shaped, three celled.

SEEDS many.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Crinum foliis filiformibus; scapo filiformi, spirali.

Asphodel Lily, with thread-shaped leaves; flower-stem
thread-shaped, and spiral.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement. 2. A Flower, cut open and magnified; to shew the point of insertion of the Chives, at the base of the border. 3. The Pointal and Seed-bud (magnified). 4. The Seed-bud cut transversely, and magnified; to shew the situation of the seeds in the cells, before the splitting of the outer coat, when matured. 5. The Seeds, as they appear after the bursting of the containing coat, and of their natural size.

This curious little plant, has been figured by professor Jacquin in his Ic. rar. 2. tab. 363, under the name of Crinum Tenellum; Thunberg, (who no doubt saw the living plant) in his Prodromus, p. 58, gave it first, the specific title of Spiralis, which to us seems the best possible, we have retained it; although, we differ from him as to the Genus, and which there is no doubt every botanist will, on the examination of the figure, with its appendages. That this plant should ever have been placed under Hæmanthus, by any botanist, is certainly matter of wonder, yet the point is too clear to be contended; scarce one of the essential constituent characters, of the genus, are to be found in our plant, and yet so perfectly in every part answering to Crinum. In Hæmanthus, the fence is composed of many leaves; the segments of the border, standing upright; the Chives longer than the blossom, and fixed into the tube; the Summit simple! &c. &c. We submit this, nevertheless, with deference to superior judgments, as a late publication of much repute, has this plant, under the Generic title we have rejected. The drawing was made in the beginning of March, this year, at Messrs. Lee and Kennedy’s, Hammersmith; by whom, it was received from the Cape of Good Hope in 1792. It is a very hardy bulb, requiring no more protection than a pit, to secure it from the frost. It increases but slowly by the root, but occasionally produces ripe seeds; and should be kept constantly in its pot, in a mixture of peat and loam.

PLATE XCIII.

ASTER REFLEXUS.

_Reflexed-leaved Starwort._

CLASS XIX. ORDER II.

_SYNGENESIA POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA._ Tips united. Superfluous Pointals.

ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.

RECEPT. nudom. Pappus simplex. Cor. radii plures 10. Cal. imbricati
squamæ interiores patulæ.

RECEPT. naked. Feather simple. Florets of the circumference 10 or
more. Cup tiled, the innermost scales spread outward.

See Aster dentatus, Pl. LXI.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Aster fruticosus, foliis ovatis sub-imbricatis, recurvatis,
serratis; floribus solitariis, terminalibus, sessilibus.

Starwort with egg-shaped leaves, almost tiled, bent backward and
sawed; flowers grow solitary, terminal, and sit close to the ends
of the branches.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

1. The Empalement. 2. A Floret of the circumference. 3. The Pointal of the foregoing. 4. A Floret of the centre (magnified). 5. The Chives and Pointal of a floret of the centre (magnified). 6. The Shaft and Summit of the same (magnified).

The singular merit of this pretty greenhouse plant, is, that its blossoms are still to be seen through the whole year; and is kept with as little care, as is required for any. It is with ease, and certainty, increased by cuttings, put in about the month of May; or by seeds, which it sometimes perfects by being kept from the rain in autumn. It is a plant known by name, to most botanists; but has not been introduced to us, till the year 1794, when it was received in seeds from the Cape, at the nursery Hammersmith; where it has flowered, these two successive years, and where our figure was taken.

PLATE XCIV.

GALAXIA OVATA.

_Oval-leaved Galaxia._

CLASS XVI. ORDER I.

_MONADELPHIA TRIANDRIA._ Threads united. Three Chives.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

CALYX. Spatha univalvis, membranacea, connivens.

COROLLA monopetala, supra; tubus filiformis, longus, erectus, apice
paullulum ampliatus; limbus sexpartitus; laciniis obovatis,
patentibus.

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The botanist's repository for new and rare plants; vol. 01 & 02 [of 10]Chapter IV: Part 4

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